Elevated feeding tray apparatus

ABSTRACT

An elevated feeding tray apparatus includes an elevated base including a vertical side wall; a plurality of legs extending from the vertical side wall of the elevated base; and a tray including a bowl including a rim, the bowl being watertight below the rim; wherein the elevated base and the plurality of legs are integrally formed from substantially the same material and the elevated base is configured to hold the rim of the tray at an angle with respect to a horizontal plane.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/075,087, filed Mar. 18, 2016, which is a continuation in-part of U.S.application Ser. No. 14/019,960, filed Sep. 6, 2013, which issued intoU.S. Pat. No. 9,445,577 on Sep. 20, 2016, and a continuation in-part ofU.S. application Ser. No. 29/546,665, filed Nov. 24, 2015, which issuedinto U.S. Pat. No. D770,099 on Oct. 25, 2016, all of which are herebyspecifically incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to a tray for feeding. More specifically, thisdisclosure relates to an elevated tray for feeding domesticated animalssuch as dogs and cats.

BACKGROUND

It is sometimes desirable for a domesticated animal such as a dog or catto be able to feed itself with food prepared by its caregiver. An animalthat feeds itself, however, can get itself or the surrounding area messyduring the feeding process. In addition, some animals can become anxiousor frightened by not being able to monitor their surroundings. Suchanimals may feel that they must alternate between feeding and monitoringin order to feel safe because they cannot typically do both activitiesat the same time. These are just two of the problems that can beencountered by domesticated animals in feeding themselves.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the current disclosure, disclosed is an elevatedfeeding tray apparatus comprising a tray defining a feeding cavity, atray riser, and a base, where the tray, tray riser, and base areintegrally formed from the same material.

In another aspect of the current disclosure, also disclosed is a blankfor forming an elevated feeding tray apparatus comprising a tray bottompanel, the tray bottom panel comprising a left end, a right end distalto the left end, a top end, and a bottom end, a first side wallconnected to the left end of the tray bottom panel, a second side wallconnected to the right end of the tray bottom panel, a tray riserconnected to the top end of the tray bottom panel, and a base connectedto the tray riser.

In another aspect of the current disclosure, also disclosed is a methodof forming an elevated feeding tray apparatus comprising the steps ofpreparing a blank, the blank comprising a tray bottom panel, two trayside walls, a tray riser, and a base, the base panel connected to thetray riser, the tray riser connected to the tray bottom panel, and thetray bottom panel connected to the two tray side walls; bending theblank to form a bend between the tray bottom panel and each of the twotray side walls; bending the blank to form a bend between the tray riserand the tray bottom panel, and bending the blank to form a bend betweenthe base and the tray riser.

In another aspect of the current disclosure, also disclosed is anelevated feeding tray apparatus comprising a tray riser and a tray. Thetray riser comprises an elevated base and a plurality of legs attachedto the elevated base; the elevated base defining a one of a top outeredge and a top inner edge, a portion of the one of the top outer edgeand the top inner edge of the tray riser at the rear end of the trayriser higher than the one of the top outer edge and the top inner edgeof the tray riser at the front end of the tray riser; each of theplurality of legs comprising an attachment portion proximate to the trayand a foot portion distal from the attachment portion. The traycomprises a tray separately removable from the tray riser, the traycomprising a bowl, the bowl defining a feeding cavity.

In yet another aspect of the current disclosure, disclosed is anelevated feeding tray apparatus comprising: a tray riser comprising anelevated base, a plurality of legs attached to the elevated base, and avertical side wall; the elevated base comprising a rim extending fromthe vertical side wall, the rim angled with respect to a vertical axisof the elevated feeding tray apparatus, a portion of an edge of the trayriser at a rear end of the tray riser higher than the edge of the trayriser at a front end of the tray riser; and a tray separately removablefrom the tray riser, the tray comprising a bowl and a rim extending fromthe bowl, the bowl defining a feeding cavity and comprising a traybottom panel, the tray riser configured to hold the rim of the tray andthe bottom panel of the bowl at an angle with respect to a horizontalplane when the tray is installed in the tray riser.

In yet another aspect of the current disclosure, disclosed is anelevated feeding tray apparatus comprising: an elevated base comprisinga vertical side wall; a plurality of legs extending from the verticalside wall of the elevated base; and a tray comprising a bowl comprisinga rim, the bowl being watertight below the rim; wherein the elevatedbase and the plurality of legs are integrally formed from substantiallythe same material and the elevated base is configured to hold the rim ofthe tray at an angle with respect to a horizontal plane.

In yet another aspect of the current disclosure, disclosed is anelevated feeding tray apparatus comprising: an elevated base; aplurality of legs extending from the elevated base; and a traycomprising a watertight bowl, the tray positioned proximate to a top endof the elevated base; wherein the elevated base and the plurality oflegs are integrally formed from substantially the same material and theelevated base is configured to hold the rim of the tray at an angle withrespect to a horizontal plane.

Various implementations described in the present disclosure may includeadditional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which may notnecessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detaileddescription and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all suchsystems, methods, features, and advantages be included within thepresent disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the inventionand together with the description, serve to explain various principlesof the invention. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.Corresponding features and components throughout the figures may bedesignated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistencyand clarity.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an elevated feedingtray apparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the elevated feeding tray apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the elevated feeding tray apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the elevated feeding tray apparatus of FIG.1.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the elevated feeding tray apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a blank for forming the elevated feedingtray apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an elevated feeding tray apparatus inaccordance with another aspect of the current disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view the elevated feeding tray apparatusof FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the elevated feeding trayapparatus of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a front view of the elevated feeding tray apparatus of FIG.7.

FIG. 11 is a rear view of the elevated feeding tray apparatus of FIG. 7.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the elevated feeding tray apparatus of FIG. 7.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the elevated feeding tray apparatus of FIG. 7.

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the elevated feeding tray apparatus of FIG.7.

FIG. 15 is a side perspective view of an elevated feeding tray apparatusin accordance with yet another aspect of the current disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the elevated feeding trayapparatus of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a front view of the elevated feeding tray apparatus of FIG.15.

FIG. 18 is a rear view of the elevated feeding tray apparatus of FIG.15.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the elevated feeding tray apparatus ofFIG. 15 taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is a side view of the elevated feeding tray apparatus of FIG.15.

FIG. 21 is a top view of the elevated feeding tray apparatus of FIG. 15.

FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the elevated feeding tray apparatus of FIG.15.

FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of an elevated feeding trayapparatus in accordance with yet another aspect of the currentdisclosure.

FIG. 24 is a sectional view of the elevated feeding tray apparatus ofFIG. 23 taken along line 24-24 of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a top view of a tray of the elevated feeding tray apparatusof FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 is a sectional view of the tray of FIG. 25 taken along line26-26 of FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a front view of a tray riser of the elevated feeding trayapparatus of FIG. 23.

FIG. 28 is a rear view of the tray riser of FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is a side view of the tray riser of FIG. 27.

FIG. 30 is a top view of the tray riser of FIG. 27.

FIG. 31 is a bottom view of the tray riser of FIG. 27.

FIG. 32 is a bottom perspective view of the tray riser of FIG. 27.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a tray riser of an elevated feedingtray apparatus in accordance with yet another aspect of the currentdisclosure.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a tray of the elevated feeding trayapparatus of FIG. 33 in accordance with yet another aspect of thecurrent disclosure.

FIG. 35 is a top view of the tray of FIG. 34.

FIG. 36 is a side sectional view of the tray of FIG. 34.

FIG. 37 is a front view of the tray riser of FIG. 33.

FIG. 38 is a rear view of the tray riser of FIG. 33.

FIG. 39 is a side view of the tray riser of FIG. 33.

FIG. 40 is a top view of the tray riser of FIG. 33.

FIG. 41 is a bottom view of the tray riser of FIG. 33.

FIG. 42 is a bottom perspective view of the tray riser of FIG. 33.

FIG. 43 is an exploded perspective view of an elevated feeding trayapparatus comprising a tray spacer in accordance with yet another aspectof the current disclosure.

FIG. 44 is an exploded sectional view of the elevated feeding trayapparatus of FIG. 43 taken along line 44-44 of FIG. 43.

FIG. 45 is a detail view of the elevated feeding tray apparatus of FIG.43 taken from detail 45 of FIG. 44.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to thefollowing detailed description, examples, drawing, and claims, and theirprevious and following description. However, before the present devices,systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to beunderstood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices,systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, as suchcan, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminologyused herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only andis not intended to be limiting.

The following description of the invention is provided as an enablingteaching of the invention in its best, currently known embodiment. Tothis end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize andappreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of theinvention described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial resultsof the present invention. It will also be apparent that some of thedesired benefits of the present invention can be obtained by selectingsome of the features of the present invention without utilizing otherfeatures. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize thatmany modifications and adaptations to the present invention are possibleand can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of thepresent invention. Thus, the following description is provided asillustrative of the principles of the present invention and not inlimitation thereof.

As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” includeplural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus,for example, reference to “a leg” can include two or more such legsunless the context indicates otherwise.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value,and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range isexpressed, another aspect comprises from the one particular value and/orto the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed asapproximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understoodthat the particular value forms another aspect. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint.

For purposes of the current disclosure, a material property or dimensionmeasuring about X on a particular measurement scale measures within arange between X plus and industry-standard upper tolerance for thespecified measurement and X minus an industry-standard lower tolerancefor the specified measurement. Because tolerances can vary betweendifferent materials, processes and between different models, thetolerance for a particular measurement of a particular component canfall within a range of tolerances.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that thesubsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, andthat the description comprises instances where said event orcircumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

Disclosed is an elevated feeding tray apparatus and associated methods,systems, devices, and various apparatus. It would be understood by oneof skill in the art that the disclosed elevated feeding tray apparatusis described in but a few exemplary embodiments among many. Noparticular terminology or description should be considered limiting onthe disclosure or the scope of any claims issuing therefrom.

One embodiment of the elevated feeding tray apparatus is disclosed anddescribed in FIG. 1. An elevated feeding tray apparatus 100 comprises atray 110, a tray riser 160, a base 170, and feet 180 a,b,c,d (180 c,dshown in FIG. 4). The tray 110, the tray riser 160, and the base 170 ofthe current embodiment are made from a single material and formed as anintegral body. While this embodiment also shows the tray 110, the trayriser 160, and the base 170 made from a single continuous blank of asingle material, in other embodiments the tray 110, the tray riser 160,and the base 170 could be fabricated using more than one componentjoined together. In the process of describing the embodiments of theelevated feeding tray apparatus 100, the tray riser 160 may be describedas tray riser panel 160 and base 170 may be described as base panel 170.In various embodiments, the feet 180 a,b,c,d could be formed as part ofthe base 170. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate thatjoining the tray 110, the tray riser 160, and the base 170 could beaccomplished using a number of different methods, including but notlimited to welding or fastening through the use of rivets or otherfasteners. Forming the tray 110, the tray riser 160, and the base 170from a single continuous blank of a single material as in the currentembodiment could be accomplished through the use of sheet metal such as16 gage polished stainless steel. However, other grades and thicknessesof sheet metal or plastic or other suitable materials could be used aswell. In addition, the elevated feeding tray apparatus 100 could bemolded inside a die using a process such as injection molding, whereinthe tray 110 could be optionally and additionally supported by a trayriser 160 that supports any one or more of the outer surfaces 126, 136,146 or 156 (126, 136, and 156 shown in FIG. 6) of the tray 110 inaddition to supporting the tray 110 in a cantilever fashion as shown.

Fabricating the elevated feeding tray apparatus 100 from a flat blank600 (shown in FIG. 6) may result in the creation of external bend radiiand may also result in the creation of internal bend radii. The externalbend radii and internal bend radii exist in the present embodiment asshown in the figures but may not be present in other embodiments. Theexternal bend radii and internal bend radii may be desired in order toimprove cleanability and safety of the elevated feeding tray apparatus100 due to the presence of smooth inside and outside corners instead ofsharp inside and outside corners. Internal radii may improvecleanability and therefore also safety by the elimination ofdifficult-to-reach crevices, including on the inside of the cavityformed by tray 110 after forming. External radii may improve safety bythe elimination of sharp corners that might otherwise become a hazard insome feeding, handling, or cleaning situations. For at least this reasonand for increased manufacturability, a part molded inside a die, forexample, instead of being bent from a flat blank such as flat blank 600,may also have these radii included.

Tray 110 of the disclosed embodiment comprises a rear bottom panel 120,a front bottom panel 130, a first side wall 140, and a second side wall150. Tray 110 may have any number of bottom panels, and the selection oftwo bottom panels for the current embodiment should not connote anypreference for any number of panels or for the shape of each panel. Forexample, there could be one continuous curved bottom panel replacing therear bottom panel 120 and front bottom panel 130 of the currentembodiment. In the current embodiment, the rear bottom panel 120 andfront bottom panel 130 each have a top end, a bottom end, a left end,and a right end. Rear bottom panel 120 comprises a top end 121, a bottomend 122, a left end 123 (shown in FIG. 5), and a right end 124. Frontbottom panel 130 comprises a top end 131, a bottom end 132, a left end133 (shown in FIG. 5), and a right end 134. The rear bottom panel 120and front bottom panel 130 are arranged in a “V” configuration such thatthe bottom end 122 of rear bottom panel 120 is connected to the bottomend 132 of front bottom panel 130 and the top ends 121, 131 are bothhigher than the bottom ends 122, 132 when the elevated feeding trayapparatus 100 is positioned as shown in FIG. 1 with base 170 resting ona horizontal surface.

In all of the various embodiments described, “front” and “rear” are usedfor convenience to differentiate the location of parts of the elevatedfeeding tray apparatus 100 that are in different positions relative tothe user, whether it be the animal or its caregiver. Where these termsare used, the standard convention is to describe those components of theapparatus 100 that are closer to the animal when using the apparatus 100with the “front” descriptor and to describe those components of theapparatus 100 that are further form the animal when using the apparatus100 with the “rear” descriptor. Specifically in the embodiments as shownin the drawings and for purposes of defining the apparatus 100, theanimal is assumed to be facing front surface 165 of tray riser 160 sincethis would be typical during use.

Each bottom panel of the current embodiment has a flat outer surface anda flat inner surface. Rear bottom panel 120 has an inner surface 125 andan outer surface 126 (shown in FIG. 3). Front bottom panel 130 has aninner surface 135 and an outer surface 136 (shown in FIG. 2). Althoughrear bottom panel 120 and front bottom panel 130 are both shown asrectangular in shape, rear bottom panel 120 and front bottom panel 130may be of other shapes instead.

In the current embodiment, connected to the rear bottom panel 120 andfront bottom panel 130 are first side wall 140 and second side wall 150.The second side wall 150 is distal to the first side wall 140. The firstside wall 140 has a top end 141, a rear bottom end 142, and a frontbottom end 143. The second side wall 150 has a top end 151, a rearbottom end 152, and a front bottom end 153.

Each side wall of the current embodiment has a flat outer surface and aflat inner surface. First side wall 140 has an inner surface 145 (shownin FIG. 5) and an outer surface 146. Second side wall 150 has an innersurface 155 and an outer surface 156 (shown in FIG. 6). Each side wallis substantially triangular in shape in the current embodiment to matchthe V-shaped profile formed by the rear bottom panel 120 and frontbottom panel 130 when viewed from the side; however, each side wallcould alternately be made in other shapes to match alternate profilesthat could be created by the bottom panels, including bottom panel(s)that are fewer or greater in number than that shown in the currentembodiment. In other embodiments, the side walls may also be increasedin height, decreased in height or removed altogether.

A seam is formed at the intersection of the left end 123 of rear bottompanel 120 and the rear bottom end 142 of first side wall 140. The seamcan be sealed by welding or by some other method such as a durablefood-grade caulk. Welding, if used, can take the form of any one ofseveral process types including but not limited to tungsten inert gas(TIG) welding and metal inert gas (MIG) welding. During the welding orcaulking process, the radius may be formed by the filler material usedduring the process or may be formed ahead of time in the two or morepanels being joined together to form a watertight seam. The seam formedat the intersection of the right end 124 of rear bottom panel 120 andthe rear bottom end 152 of second side wall 150 can be sealed by asimilar method. Making tray 110 watertight by welding or another methodmakes it possible for the tray to hold not only solid foods but alsoliquid foods or water without leaking. In yet other embodiments, theseam could be made tight or instead be left open without welding toproduce a seam that is not watertight, or a stamping or drawing processcould instead form some or all of tray 110 in order to eliminate some orall seams.

The rear bottom panel 120, the front bottom panel 130, the first sidewall 140, and the second side wall 150 of tray 110 form a cavity. Thiscavity can be used to contain any solid or liquid material includingsolid food or even liquid food if the tray is made sufficientlywatertight.

Connected to the top end 131 of front bottom panel 130 of tray 110 istray riser 160. Tray riser 160 has a top end 161, a bottom end 162, aleft end 163, and a right end 164. Tray riser 160 has a front surface165 and a rear surface 166 (shown in FIG. 3). While tray riser 160 issubstantially vertical in this embodiment, it may also form an anglewith the horizontal that is more than or less than ninety degrees.

In the current embodiment shown in FIG. 1, tray 110 is cantileverlysupported off tray riser 160. In other words, the top front edge of tray110 is connected to and supported off the top end 161 of tray riser 160in a similar way that a cantilever beam is supported off a wall.

Connected to the bottom end 162 of tray riser 160 is base 170. Base 170has a rear end 171, a front end 172 (shown in FIG. 4), a left end 173,and a right end 174 (shown in FIG. 4). In addition, base 170 has a topsurface 175 and a bottom surface 176 (shown in FIG. 4). Base 170 alsohas cutouts 177 a,b,c,d (177 c,d shown in FIG. 6) for insertion of feet180 a,b,c,d (180 c,d shown in FIG. 4). Feet 180 a,b,c,d comprise insertportion 181 a,b,c,d and foot portion 182 a,b,c,d. Stiffening of theintersection of tray riser 160 and front bottom panel 130 or theintersection of tray riser 160 and base 170—specifically a bend in thecurrent embodiment although in other embodiments the intersection maytake on other forms—is possible through the addition of upperindentation 190 a or lower indentation 190 b or both. There may bemultiple instances of upper indentation 190 a or lower indentation 190 bor both in order to increase the stiffness further. Indentations 190 a,bcan be any disruption or interruption in a bend or similar intersectionbetween two panels that causes the material at the bend to be deformedor to otherwise have a different shape in one localized area. One ormore indentations 190 a,b will cause the tray 110 to be able to supportmore weight while limiting the movement of the tray 110 with respect tothe tray riser 160 and base 170 and the movement of tray riser 160 withrespect to base 170. Indentations 190 a,b, or any equivalent, are notpresent in some embodiments

In the current embodiment, fill level indicia 195 are etched into innersurface 125 of rear bottom panel 120. However, fill level indicia 195may be placed on any surface of the tray. For purposes of describing theapparatus, to “place on” the surface means to make visible on thesurface through any process, including but not limited to etching,engraving, carving, cutting, stamping, indenting, embossing, painting,or printing, either directly on the material of the tray or on aseparate piece of material such as a label that is affixed to an outersurface of the tray. To illustrate in the case of a tray such as tray110 that is made from a translucent material, the fill level indicia 195could be printed in reverse on a label affixed to an outer surface 126,136, 146, or 156 and be visible to someone viewing through an innersurface 125, 135, 145, or 155 of the tray 110. As described above, thefill level indicia 195 may also be made to facilitate cleanability byeliminating recesses in the surface that might collect food. Eliminatingrecesses in fill level indicia 195 could be accomplished by filling anyetched areas with a filler material such as but not limited to coloredepoxy or by using any process of placing fill level indicia 195 on thesurface that does not create recesses.

The fill level indicia 195 allow a precise amount of food to be placedin the tray 110 as may be desired. It may be desirable to be able tofeed an animal a precise amount of food in order to promote its propergrowth or overall health. The individual quantity, location and type oflines and figures making up fill level indicia 195 may vary in order toaccommodate different sizes of tray 110, different levels of precision,different levels of readability, different languages or identifyingmarks that are universal between markets in which different languagesare used. It should also be noted that additional lines and figurescould be etched or otherwise marked on the surface of the tray 110 orany portion of the elevated feeding tray apparatus 100 in order tocommunicate information about the product itself such as product brand,product manufacturer, date of manufacture, issued patent number, andbrand website. Depending on the process used to produce the markings,some or all of fill level indicia 195 and any other accompanied markingcould be incorporated during or after production of the elevated feedingtray apparatus 100.

All panels making up the elevated feeding tray apparatus 100 of thecurrent embodiment are substantially planar but need not remain so inother embodiments. Each panel except for the base panel 170 for example,could be formed to curve inwardly or outwardly. The base panel 170 couldbe formed to curve inwardly or outwardly if it does not cause theelevated feeding tray apparatus 100 as a whole to become unstable.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the elevated feeding tray apparatus 100 ofFIG. 1. Clearly visible in this view are feet 180 a,b including footportions 182 a,b and also insert portions 181 a,b penetrating base 170through cutouts 177 a,b, respectively (shown in FIG. 6). Also visible inthis view are tray 110, outer surface 146 of first side wall 140, trayriser 160, indentations 190 a,b and surfaces 126, 165, 175 and 176.

The feet 180 a,b,c,d in the current embodiment are made of a skidcontrol material that is flexible and resists sliding. It can bedesirable to secure a feeding container, including the elevated feedingtray apparatus 100 of this embodiment, so that it does not slide on thefloor, especially during feeding, because such securement can help ananimal feed itself without moving the container or overturning thecontainer or otherwise spilling the contents of the container. Anexample of the kind of skid control material that would be flexible andresist sliding is ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber,although any material could be substituted including materials with agreater tendency or lesser tendency to resist sliding depending on thespecific application and including but not limited to silicone rubber,natural rubber, polyurethane, styrene butadiene rubber (SBR),SANTOPRENE™ thermoplastic vulcanizate, and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).The feet 180 a,b,c,d could be alternatively replaced with a screw, pin,or other fastener so that the elevated feeding tray apparatus 100 couldbe temporarily or permanently attached to any mounting surface or thefeet 180 a,b,c,d could be left out altogether.

It can also clearly be shown in FIG. 2 that top end 121 of rear bottompanel 120 (shown in FIG. 1) is positioned higher vertically than top end131 of front bottom panel 130 (shown in FIG. 1) in the currentembodiment. Top end 121 can be alternatively described as the top backedge of the tray and top end 131 can be alternatively described as thetop front edge of the tray. The relative position of these parts whereinthe top back edge of the tray is higher than the top front edge of thetray, together with the presence of the side walls 140, 150 (shown inFIG. 1), can result in reduced spillage of food onto the area around theelevated feeding tray apparatus 100 during feeding and can help keepfacial and body hair, as well as ears in some cases, of the animal fromgetting into the contents of the tray. In other embodiments, however,the top back edge of the tray may be even with the front top edge of thetray or lower than the front top edge of the tray.

FIG. 3 shows a rear view of the elevated feeding tray apparatus 100 ofFIG. 1. Clearly shown in this view are feet 180 b,c, outer surface 126and top end 121 of rear bottom panel 120, rear surface 166 of tray riser160, and lower indentation 190 b.

FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the elevated feeding tray apparatus 100 ofFIG. 1. Clearly shown in this view are the foot portions 182 a,b,c,d offeet 180 a,b,c,d as well as rear end 171, front end 172, left end 173,right end 174, and bottom surface 176 of base 170 as well as lowerindentation 190 b.

FIG. 5 shows a top view of the elevated feeding tray apparatus 100 ofFIG. 1. Clearly shown in this view are the insert portions 181 b,c offeet 180 b,c (shown in FIG. 4) as well as upper indentation 190 a, filllevel indicia 195, left end 123 of rear bottom panel 120, left end 133of front bottom panel 130, inner surface 145 of first side wall 140,inner surface 155 of second side wall 150, and top surface 175 of base170. Also visible are top end 121, bottom end 122, right end 124, andinner surface 125 of rear bottom panel 120 and top end 131, bottom end132, right end 134, and inner surface 135 of front bottom panel 130.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of blank 600 for forming the elevatedfeeding tray apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 from top surface 175 of base 170.In the current embodiment, the elevated feeding tray apparatus 100 ismade of sheet metal such as but not limited to corrosion-resistantstainless steel and is designed to be bent into its final shape as shownin the perspective view of FIG. 1. It may be desirable to have a feedingcontainer that resists corrosion, resists soiling, and is easilycleaned, and stainless steel is one type of material that may be usedfor these purposes. Bending can be accomplished by use of a press brakeor similar equipment. As described previously, internal and externalbend radii may be formed at each bend due to the nature of the processand the properties of sheet metal or may be added whether internal andexternal bend radii are formed by the process or not.

The schematic view in FIG. 6 of blank 600 shows front end 172 of base170 connected to bottom end 162 of tray riser 160. Connected to top end161 of tray riser 160 is top end 131 of front bottom panel 130.Connected to left end 133 of front bottom panel 130 is front bottom end143 of first side wall 140. In a similar fashion, connected to right end134 of front bottom panel 130 is front bottom end 153 of second sidewall 150. Finally, connected to bottom end 132 of front bottom panel 130is bottom end 122 of rear bottom panel 120. Included in base 170 ofblank 600 are cutouts 177 a,b,c,d. Cutouts 177 a,b,c,d accept feet 180a,b,c,d in the current embodiment or can accept fasteners for attachingthe tray in lieu of feet 180 a,b,c,d. The number of shape of the cutoutscan be less than or greater than what is shown. In other embodiments,the cutouts may be replaced with feet formed integrally from the blank.While the presence of four cutouts 177 a,b,c,d may be advantageous inthis embodiment by increasing the stability of the elevated feeding trayapparatus 100 once formed, a higher or lower quantity of cutouts may beadvantageous in other embodiments.

Also shown in FIG. 6 are several elements of elevated feeding trayapparatus 100 that were previously introduced.

Other embodiments of the elevated feeding tray apparatus 100 could makeuse of a base 170 that extends beyond the tray in at least one directionto increase stability. In some embodiments, a base 170 that extendsbeyond tray 110 may increase the resistance of the elevated feeding trayapparatus 100 to being move or overturned. This could be made possibleby increasing the size or base 170 relative to tray 110 such that in ahorizontal plane defined by the base 170, the base extends beyond thetray 110 in at least one direction. An example of this is shown in FIG.2 and in FIG. 5.

FIGS. 7-14 show the elevated feeding tray apparatus 100 or componentsthereof in accordance with another aspect of the current disclosure. Inthis aspect, as shown in FIG. 7, the elevated feeding tray apparatus 100comprises a tray riser 160 comprising an elevated base 700 and aplurality of legs 750 extending from the elevated base 700 at a boundaryline 705 of the elevated base 700. In one aspect, the boundary line 705delineates a point or a line from which alternate structures can extend.The boundary line 705 is shown for convenience to show such delineationand can be removed; the boundary line 705 does not itself representphysical structure. In one aspect, the elevated base 700 and theplurality of legs 750 of the tray riser 160 can be formed fromsubstantially the same material. The precise appearance of the tray 110and the tray riser 160 can have various forms beyond that disclosed.

The tray riser 160 defines an outer surface 701 and an inner surface702. The elevated base 700 comprises a side wall 710 and a rim 720(shown in FIG. 8) defining a top inner edge 703 (shown in FIG. 9), a topouter edge 704, an outer surface 711, and a rim surface 721 (shown inFIG. 9). In this aspect, the outer surface 701 of the tray riser 160comprises the outer surface 711 of the elevated base 700 and the rimsurface 721 of the elevated base 700.

In one aspect, each of the plurality of legs 750 comprises an attachmentportion 760 proximate to the boundary line 705, a foot portion 770distal from the attachment portion 760, and optionally a rib 790 (shownin FIG. 23) for increasing the compressive strength of the leg 750. Thefoot portion 770 of each of the plurality of legs 570 can comprise anextension 775 that extends outward from a vertical axis 709 of theelevated feeding tray apparatus 100. The vertical axis 709 can functionas an assembly axis in one aspect. In one aspect, the elevated feedingtray apparatus 100 comprises four legs 750. In another aspect, theelevated feeding tray apparatus 100 comprises only a single leg 750positioned to ensure the stability of the elevated feeding trayapparatus 100. In such aspect comprising only a single leg 750, the tray110 can be cantileverly supported from the tray riser 160 such that thefoot portion 770 of the single leg 750 extends under the tray 110 viathe extension 775 to maintain the stability of the elevated feeding trayapparatus 100. In other aspects, the elevated feeding tray apparatus 100can comprise any quantity of legs 750.

The number of the legs 750 and the size and shape of the legs 750 can beadjusted to improve the stability of the elevated feeding tray apparatus100 and can also be adjusted as a play on the look of a particularanimal by incorporating a stylized representation of such animal's foot,be it the foot of, for example and without limitation, a four-leggedanimal such as a dog, a cat, a pig, or a goat, a two-legged animal suchas a bird, or any other animal or even a human. The size and shape andother aspects of the foot 750 is not meant to realistically reproducethe actual size and shape or even proportions of any particular animal'sfoot, and the precise appearance of the foot 750 can have various forms.

The elevated feeding tray apparatus 100 can also comprise a tray 110that can be made separately removable from the tray riser 160, the tray110 comprising a bowl 780, the bowl 780 defining a feeding cavity withan inner surface 781 and an outer surface 782 (shown in FIG. 8). Asshown in FIG. 7, the tray 110 can comprise a side wall 108 and a rim 109defining a top inner edge 103, a top outer edge 104, an outer surface101 comprising a rim surface 105, and an inner surface 102 (shown inFIG. 8).

In one aspect, the tray 110 can define an asymmetrical feature 115 atthe front end 106 or at the rear end 107 and corresponding with amatching feature on the tray riser 160, the precise appearance of whichcan have various forms. In one aspect, the asymmetrical feature 115 canhelp ensure that the tray 110 is oriented correctly with respect to thetray riser 160, the front end 106 of the tray 110 aligning with a frontend of the tray riser 160. In such aspect, the tray 110 can beasymmetric about a vertical plane such as a vertical plane passingthrough the vertical axis 709, the tray 110 being configured to installon the tray riser 160 in only one orientation with a front end 106 ofthe tray 110 positioned proximate to a front of the tray riser 160. Forexample and without limitation, the asymmetrical feature 115 can be anundulation in the side wall 108. In another aspect, the asymmetricalfeatures can have only an aesthetic function. As previously described,the tray 110—and specifically the bowl 780 in the current aspect—candefine fill level indicia 195 to identify the level to which food insidethe bowl 780 is filling the bowl 780.

The elevated base 700 of the tray riser 160 can further define a notch730, the precise appearance of which can have various forms. In oneaspect, the tray 110 and the tray riser 160 at the notch 730 defining anaccess gap 735 (shown in FIG. 10) that is configured to receive a humanfinger or similar tool for lifting the tray 110 from the tray riser 160when the tray 110 is installed in the tray riser 160.

FIG. 8 shows a bottom perspective view of the elevated feeding trayapparatus 100. The rim 720 of the tray riser 160 is shown supporting thetray 110. The foot portion 770 of each of the plurality of legs 750 canfurther comprise a skid control material (not shown), optionallyinstalled or otherwise held inside a receiver 777 of the foot portion770 of the leg 750. The skid control material, for example and withoutlimitation, can be formed into a flat shape that attaches to an outsidesurface of the receiver 777 or into a three-dimensional shape thatinstalls inside the receiver 777 or installs outside and around thereceiver 777.

FIG. 9 shows the tray 110 separated from the tray riser 160 along theaxis 709 as the tray 110 could be removed for cleaning, storage, orreplacement. As shown, the tray riser 160 can further comprise a tailfeature 740, the precise appearance of which can have various forms.

In one aspect, the rim 720 comprises a first rim 720 a and a second rim720 b. In such aspect, the second rim 720 b lies in a horizontalorientation and is sized to receive the side wall 110 of the tray 110.The first rim 720 a has a portion that lies in a horizontal orientationand a portion that lies in a vertical orientation. The second rim 720 bcan help maintain the position of the tray 110 when installed in thetray riser 160 and maintain a flat or flush surface across thesubstantially vertical side wall 710 of the tray riser 700 and thesubstantially vertical side wall 108 of the tray 110. The first rim 720a and the second rim 720 b define the rim surface 721. In one aspect,the first rim 720 can define an opening 725 for receiving the bowl 780of the tray 110. In another aspect, no opening 725 is necessary and thebowl 780 of the tray 110 does not extend below the rim surface 721.

As shown in FIGS. 10-12, a portion of a one of the top inner edge 103 orthe top outer edge 104 of the tray 110 at a rear end 107 of the tray 110can be higher than a one of the top inner edge 103 or the top outer edge104 of the tray riser at a front end 106 of the tray 110.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show the previously described features in top and bottomviews, respectively, of the elevated feeding tray apparatus 100.

FIGS. 15-22 show the elevated feeding tray apparatus 100 or componentsthereof in accordance with yet another aspect of the current disclosure.In one aspect, as shown in FIG. 15, the tray riser 160 and the tray 110can be integrally formed from substantially the same material. Forexample and without limitation, the tray riser 160 and the tray 110 canbe integrally formed such as through an injection molding process usinga plastic such as, for example and without limitation, acrylonitrilebutadiene styrene (ABS). In such aspect, joints between the tray riser160 and the tray 110 and crevices such as produced by the notch 730shown, e.g., in FIG. 7, can be eliminated and the tray 110 itself apartfrom the bowl 780 and the rim 109 is incorporated into the tray riser160. In another aspect, the tray riser 160 can be formed from onematerial and the tray 110 can be formed from a different material. Forexample and without limitation, the tray riser 160 can be formed from aplastic such as ABS and the tray 110 can be formed from stainless steel.

FIG. 19 shows a sectional view of the elevated feeding tray apparatus110. The rim 109 is shown sloped at an angle 1910 from the horizontal,and a tray bottom panel 785 is shown sloped at an angle 1920 from thehorizontal. The inner surface 781 of the bowl 780 can comprise radiisuch as the radii shown to facilitate cleaning. In one aspect, the angle1910 and the angle 1920 can both measure about 7.5 degrees. In anotheraspect, the angle 1910 and the angle 1920 can be less than or greaterthan 7.5 degrees. The tray bottom panel 785 can be substantially planaras shown. In one aspect, a rear end 787 of the tray bottom panel 785 ishigher than a front end 786 of the tray bottom panel 785.

FIGS. 20, 21, and 22 show the previously described features in side,top, and bottom views, respectively, of the elevated feeding trayapparatus 100.

FIGS. 23-32 show the elevated feeding tray apparatus 100 or componentsthereof in accordance with yet another aspect of the current disclosure.The tray 110 is shown removed from the tray riser along the verticalaxis 709. In one aspect, as shown in FIG. 23, the elevated feeding trayapparatus 100 comprises a tray riser 160 configured to receive a tray110 comprising a bowl 780 and a rim 109 connected to the bowl 780. Therim 109 resembles a flange around a perimeter of the bowl 780.

The tray riser can further comprise the rib 790, which can be formedfrom or otherwise made part of the tray riser 160 proximate to each leg750 and protruding from the inner surface 702 of the tray riser 160. Inone aspect, the rib 790 extends from the bottom of the leg 750 proximateto the receiver 777 of the foot portion 770 towards a first rim 720 a ofthe elevated base 700 that is proximate to a top end of the tray riser160. In another aspect, the rib 790 can be present only on that portionof the tray riser directly behind the leg 750. In another aspect, therib 790 can extend a shorter or longer distance inside the tray riser160. In another aspect, the rib 790 can extend from the outer surface701 of the tray riser 700.

In one aspect, the first rim 720 a lies in a roughly horizontalorientation when viewed from the front of the elevated feeding trayapparatus 100 and is sized to receive the rim 109 of the tray 110. Insuch aspect, the first rim 720 further defines an opening 725 forreceiving the bowl 780 of the tray 110. The tray riser 160 can comprisea second rim 720 b that lies in a roughly vertical direction and canhelp maintain the position of the tray 110 when installed in the trayriser 160 and maintain a flat surface across the top of the assembledelevated feeding tray apparatus 100. The first rim 720 a and the secondrim 720 b define the rim surface 721. At the rear end 107 of the trayriser, the elevated base 700 defines the notch 730, the preciseappearance of which can have various forms. In one aspect, the notch730, as shown in FIG. 23, comprises straight sides and a straight bottomthat meets at a 90-degree angle which each of the straight sides.

FIG. 24 shows the interaction between the tray 110 and the tray riser160 in cross-section. With the tray 110 aligned with the tray riser 160along a vertical axis 709, the tray 110 can be lowered towards theopening 725 of the tray riser 160 until the rim 109 rests on the firstrim 720 a and adjacent to and inside the second rim 720 b.

FIGS. 25 and 26 respectively show a top view and a sectional side viewof the tray 110. In one aspect, the tray 110 comprising the bowl 780 isroughly elliptical in shape. In another aspect, the tray 110 can be anyother shape can have straight or rounded sides or both. In one aspect,as shown by the fill level indicia 195 in FIG. 26, the bowl 780 wheninstalled in the tray riser 160 can hold approximately one cup of foodor other material. In one aspect, as shown, the fill level indicia arelevel and thus angled at the angle 1910 with respect to the rim 109. Thecapacity will tend to increase as the food or other material placedinside the bowl 780 resembles a solid more than a liquid. In anotheraspect, a depth of the bowl 780 of the tray 110 can be increased toincrease the capacity of the bowl 780. In another aspect, the angle 1920at which the tray bottom panel 785 is sloped can be decreased toincrease the capacity of the bowl 780. In another aspect, the angle 1910at which the rim 109 is sloped can be decreased to increase the capacityof the bowl 780. In such aspect, the slope of the rims 720 a,b can beadjusted to match.

FIGS. 27-32 show the previously described features in front, rear, side,top, and bottom views, respectively, of the elevated feeding trayapparatus 100.

FIGS. 33-42 show the elevated feeding tray apparatus 100 or componentsthereof in accordance with yet another aspect of the current disclosure.

In one aspect the notch 730, as shown in FIG. 33, comprises straightsides and a straight bottom but a radius is formed at the intersectionbetween the bottom and each of the straight sides. Each of the ribs 790is shown, as in FIG. 23, extending from the foot portion 770 of the leg750 to the first rim 720 a proximate the opening 725. The height of therib 790, as measured from the inner surface 702 of the tray riser 160,can be adjusted to increase the strength of the legs 750 and thus theirresistance to buckling under a compressive load from above or a bendingload from the side.

FIGS. 34-36 respectively show a perspective view, a top view, and asectional side view of the tray 110. In one aspect, as shown by the filllevel indicia 195 in FIGS. 34 and 36, the bowl 780 when installed in thetray riser 160 can hold approximately ¾ cup of solid food or other solidmaterial or approximately ½ cup of food behaving as a liquid. In oneaspect, as shown, the fill level indicia are angled at an angle 1930with respect to a horizontal orientation, and as shown the angle 1930approximates the angle 1910 at which the rim is angled with respect to ahorizontal orientation. As described previously, the capacity can beadjusted by modifying certain dimensions of the bowl 780 or the trayriser 160.

FIGS. 37-42 show the elevated feeding tray apparatus 100 or componentsthereof in accordance with yet another aspect of the current disclosure.

The elevated feeding tray apparatus 100 can additionally comprise a trayspacer for lifting the height of the tray 110 relative to the surface onwhich the elevated feeding tray apparatus 100 is placed. FIGS. 43 and 44show the interaction between the tray 110, a tray spacer 800, and thetray riser 160 in cross-section. In one aspect, the tray spacer 800comprises a side wall 810, a bottom rim 850 at a bottom end of the trayspacer 800, and a first rim 820 a at a top end of the of the tray spacer800.

In one aspect, the first rim 820 a lies in a roughly horizontalorientation when viewed from the front of the elevated feeding trayapparatus 100 and is sized to receive the rim 109 of the tray 110. Insuch aspect, the first rim 820 a further defines an opening 825 forreceiving the bowl 780 of the tray 110. The tray spacer 800 can comprisea second rim 820 b that lies in a roughly vertical direction and canhelp maintain the position of the tray 110 when installed in the trayspacer 800 and maintain a flat surface across the top of the assembledelevated feeding tray apparatus 100. The first rim 820 a and the secondrim 820 b define the rim surface 821. The first rim 820 a and the secondrim 820 b define an opening 825 in the tray spacer that is configured toreceive the bowl 780 of the tray 110.

The tray spacer further defines an outer surface 801 and an innersurface 802 and can have an elongated ring shape as shown. At a frontend 806 of the tray spacer 800, the tray spacer 806 can define anasymmetrical feature 815, the precise appearance of which can havevarious forms. At a rear end 807, the tray spacer 800 can define a notch830, the precise appearance of which can also have various forms. In oneaspect, the tray 110 and the tray spacer 800 at the notch 830 definingan access gap that is configured to receive a human finger or similartool for lifting the tray 110 from the tray spacer 800 when the tray 110is installed in the tray spacer 800.

With the tray 110 aligned with the tray spacer 800 and the tray riser160 along a vertical axis 709, the tray 110 can be lowered towards theopening 825 until the rim 109 engages with or rests on the first rim 820a of the tray spacer and adjacent to and inside the second rim 820 b.The tray spacer 800 can likewise be lowered towards the opening 725 ofthe tray riser 160 until the bottom rim 850 engages with or rests on thefirst rim 720 a of the tray riser and adjacent to and inside the secondrim 720 b.

FIG. 45 shows a detail view of the described interaction after the tray110, the tray spacer 800, and the tray riser 160 have been assembled.The rim 109 of the tray 110 is in facing contact with the rim surface821 of the first rim 820 a and is adjacent to the second rim 820 b ofthe tray spacer 800. The bottom rim 850 of the tray spacer 800, locateddistance the first rim 820 a and the second rim 820 b at a bottom end ofthe side wall 810, is in facing contact with the rim surface 721 of thefirst rim 720 a and is adjacent to the second rim 720 b of the trayriser 160. In one aspect, the bowl 780 extends into the opening 825 butnot into the opening 725. In another aspect, the bowl 780 can extendinto both the opening 825 and the opening 725. As shown, the tray spacerhas a height from the lowest part of the bottom rim 850 to the highestpart of the second rim 820 b of about two inches. In another aspect, theheight can be any value desirable by the user. In one aspect, only onetray spacer 800 is used in the elevated feeding tray apparatus 100. Inanother aspect, multiple tray spacers 800 can be stacked on top of oneanother between the tray 110 and the tray riser 160. In yet anotheraspect, a spacer (not shown) can be positioned below the tray riser toraise the position of the tray 110, or individual spacers can bepositioned under each of the plurality of legs 750 to raise the positionof the tray 110.

With respect to any figures depicting hidden lines, it is contemplatedthat such hidden lines represent claimed structure in variousembodiments. In one aspect, all the hidden lines can be drawn as solidlines.

Finally, it has been found that animals who are aging and have difficultbending down to feed benefit from using a feeder such as the elevatedfeeding tray apparatus 100 that makes it easier for them to access theirfood.

One should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,”“could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments donot include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, suchconditional language is not generally intended to imply that features,elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particularembodiments or that one or more particular embodiments necessarilyinclude logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting,whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to beperformed in any particular embodiment.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merelypossible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clearunderstanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Any processdescriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be understood asrepresenting modules, segments, or portions of code which include one ormore executable instructions for implementing specific logical functionsor steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included inwhich functions may not be included or executed at all, may be executedout of order from that shown or discussed, including substantiallyconcurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionalityinvolved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the artof the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be madeto the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantiallyfrom the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Further, thescope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and allcombinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features, and aspectsdiscussed above. All such modifications and variations are intended tobe included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and allpossible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements orsteps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure.

That which is claimed is:
 1. An elevated feeding tray apparatuscomprising: a tray riser comprising an elevated base, a plurality oflegs attached to the elevated base, and a vertical side wall; theelevated base comprising a rim extending from the vertical side wall,the rim angled with respect to a vertical axis of the elevated feedingtray apparatus, a portion of an edge of the tray riser at a rear end ofthe tray riser higher than the edge of the tray riser at a front end ofthe tray riser; and a tray separately removable from the tray riser, thetray comprising a bowl and a rim extending from the bowl, the bowldefining a feeding cavity and comprising a tray bottom panel, the trayriser holding the rim of the tray and the bottom panel of the bowl at anangle with respect to a horizontal plane when the tray is installed inthe tray riser.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elevated baseand the plurality of legs of the tray riser are integrally formed. 3.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of legs furthercomprises a rib extending from the rim of the tray riser to the footportion.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein an inner surface of thebowl defines fill level indicia.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe tray bottom panel defines fill level indicia.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the rim of the tray substantially covers the rim of thetray riser when the tray is installed in the tray riser.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the foot portion of at least one of theplurality of legs comprises skid control material.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the tray bottom panel is substantially planar.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the elevated base of the tray riserdefines a notch in at least a one of the rear end and the front end ofthe tray riser, the tray and the tray riser defining an access gap atthe notch when the tray is assembled to the tray riser.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the tray riser further comprises a secondrim extending in a roughly vertical direction proximate to the top endof the tray riser and configured to maintain the tray in a fixedposition when installed in the tray riser.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising a tray spacer positioned between the tray riser andthe tray, at least a one of a top end and a bottom end of the trayspacer defining an opening configured to receive the tray.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 11, wherein the tray spacer comprises a side wall, abottom rim proximate to a bottom end of the tray spacer and extendingfrom the side wall, and a first rim proximate to a top end of the trayspacer and extending from the side wall.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11,wherein the tray spacer defines a notch at a rear end of the trayspacer.
 14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the tray spacer defines aheight that is substantially equal around a perimeter of the trayspacer.